'Think Transatlantic!' begins Oct. 16

The “Think Transatlantic!” program will take place over the span of three weeks and includes six programs focusing on the upcoming presidential race and related connections between the United States and Germany.

Professor Sabine von Mering, director of the Center for German and European Studies, says the goal of this series of seminars and discussions is to increase students’ awareness of Germany, German-European relations, and how and why the U.S. and Germany differs on crucial issues.

The first event, “Gesundheit: Comparing the Healthcare Systems in Germany and the US,” features Professor Stuart Altman, a nationally recognized expert on health-care policy, and Sophia Schlette, MPH and senior international adviser to the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians in Berlin, Germany. This event will be held Oct. 16 from 2 to 5 p.m.

“Integration: Immigrants in Germany and the US,” on Oct. 17 from 2 to 5 p.m. in room 107 of the Golding Judaica Center, will be led by Jytte Klausen, the Lawrence A. Wien Professor of International Cooperation, and Ammar Alkassar, CEO of Sirrix Security Technologies.

The only limited seating event will be held in the Faculty Club Lounge on Monday, Oct. 22. Titled “NATO 2012: The Transatlantic Alliance and National Security in Times of Terrorism and Globalization,” it will be a conversation between German Ambassador to NATO Martin Erdmann and Robert Art, the Christian A. Herter Professor of International Relations, about current international relations issues. Students interested in attending must RSVP by email and be at the Faculty Club from noon to 2 p.m.

“Krise: National Debt, Unemployment, the Euro. The Economic Crisis in Germany, Europe, and the US,” on Oct. 25, will feature Catherine L. Mann, the Barbara and Richard M. Rosenberg Professor of Global Finance, and Harvard University’s Armin Steinbach.

On Friday, Nov. 2, “Unwelt: Energy Independence, Regulation, Climate Change,” will be hosted by environmental studies lecturer Charles Chester and Dr. Herman Ott, a former member of the German parliament. This event will take place from 12:30 to 1:50 p.m.

“Think Transatlantic!” will hold a Post-U.S.-Election Luncheon Conversation in the Faculty Lounge Nov. 7 from noon to 2 p.m. to round out this year’s program. RSVP is not required but email to reserve a seat.